Education
The Polestar curriculum, designed by physical therapist and Orthopedic Certified Specialist Brent Anderson, is based on a scientific foundation of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and motor control, and integrates scientific research findings in the areas of orthopedics, sports medicine and movement science.
Our teaching method is interactive, helping you assess the whole person - physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually. The educational approach incorporates:
- discussion forum
- labs (doing, observing, teaching)
- problem solving (utilizing case studies and deductive
reasoning)
- incorporates hands-on teaching (group and individuals)
- assessment skills
- principles of neuro-linguistics (modeling,
sequencing and structuring information, and
maintaining appropriate learning states)
CORE CURRICULUM - become a Pilates Teacher!
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- Pilates Studio - for movement professionals
- Pilates for Rehabilitation - for medical and
rehabilitation professionals
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CONTINUING EDUCATION
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Timeline
Courses are scheduled on weekends, about a month apart, minimizing time away from home and work. The time between courses facilitates study, observation and practice, allowing you to master the material before continuing to the next module.
Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements include:
- attending all of the course hours
- completing reading and writing assignments and short quizzes
- completing specified number of observation, self-mastery, and teaching hours as outlined in the course progression chart
- completing the student log book (typically provided during your first course)
- 80% pass mark on EACH section of the final exam
Graduates of the Polestar comprehensive series are eligible to sit for the national Pilates certification examination established in 2005 in the USA through the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA). For details on the PMA's certification exam please visit www.pilatesmethodalliance.org
Requalification
Our requalification guidelines have changed. Please
click here for more information. To download our latest form, please
click here. Note: for non-PMA requalifications, the initial cost is $75 and then $45 each additional requalification. Contact our office at
305-666-0037 if you have any questions.
Registration Policy
- All registrations are processed on-line and require a valid email address. If you do not have an email address, please call to register.
- Your registration will be pending until payment is processed. Allow 2-5 business days for your registration to be processed (if paying by check, that is after check is received). Once registered, you will be able to view your registration details on-line.
- A $25 fee will be charged for any returned check or declined credit card debit due to insufficient funds.
- Polestar is not responsible for any hotel or airline expenses, nor transportation to or from a course
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations are accepted for full refund minus non-refundable portion, with written notice post-marked 30 days prior to series start date. (Non-refundable portion: Rehab, Studio, Reformer, Mat: $500; Gateway $100, Individual courses: $100). No refunds issued for Transition
- No refunds issued for notice less than 30 days prior to the start of the series or individual course.
- No refunds issued after completion of the first two courses in the series (i.e. Principles and S/R1, Principles and M1, Principles and Ref 1, Gateway Intro and G-1).
- In the event that a student has missed one or more courses and failed to make payments under the payment plan, the student is still responsible for course payment in full.
- Any remaining balance may be applied to a future course taken within 12 months. The credit must be used for a future course within 12 months of the cancelation date. Polestar Pilates will assist the student in finding a future course in which to participate.
Transfer Policy
Transfer requests are accepted with written notice post-marked 30 days prior to start date. $25 per course transfer fee must accompany notice. Maximum two transfers per student. No refunds after any transfers. We reserve the right to postpone or cancel any course. If we cancel a course, you will have the option of transferring to another course, receiving a credit valid for 1 year or receiving a full refund.
We reserve the right to postpone or cancel any course. If we cancel a course, you will have the option of transferring to another course, receiving a credit valid for 1 year or receiving a full refund.
Polestar is not responsible for any hotel or airline expenses, nor transportation to or from a course.
Lectures: Lecture hours include formal lectures, workshop face-to-face delivery, practical and written assessments and mandatory tutorial hours.
Observation: Observation is where the student observes a studio in action, and has their hours signed off by a certified practitioner (preferably Polestar trained).
Self-Mastery (and Self-Directed): Participants practice the exercises learned in the curriculum so as to master the repertoire. Self-mastery practice hours encompass self-study (practice of the material on your own) and training under the supervision of a Polestar Educator or Mentor or other qualified instructor for both practical and theory components. [It should be noted that the practical self-mastery hours may be a combination of mat and studio sessions and are at an additional cost (usually student rate).] Supervised self-mastery hours should make up at least 50% of total hours, with 50% being self-directed.
Apprentice Teaching: Students should begin practice teaching with their fellow students after the S1/R1 course to gain experience instructing the exercises. After you have completed your observation and have attained self-mastery of the exercises, you will be expected to assist a senior instructor or Pilates practitioner (preferably Polestar qualified) within a Pilates Studio workplace in order to gain practical experience. Individuals who are already teaching will be expected to focus their teaching on the material learned in their course.
NOTE: With regard to Self-Mastery, Observation and Apprentice Teaching hours, at least 50% of all hours in each category should be completed within a Polestar Studio or with a Polestar practitioner. If you find you do not live within an area to have access to a Polestar person, please discuss this with the Polestar Education staff.
